Filene Readying for Next i3 Class of Innovative CU Execs

Filene Research Institute is preparing to take applications for its next i3 innovation group program.

The application process opens May 1 and closes on June 1 for the two-year session, open to non-CEO executives at CUSOs and credit unions that are members of the Madison, Wis., credit union think tank.

More than 20 of the leadership development program’s alumni – about 13% so far – have gone on to become CEOs of a credit union or system organization, Filene said.

“Ideas created in the i3 program have gone on to change state laws, improve the financial lives of millions of consumers, save countless millions of dollars for credit unions and drive new members to the credit union system,” the organization said.

Along with the application process, which includes a 100-question behavioral/entrepreneurial assessment – acceptance to the i3 program includes:

Commitment and support of their credit union’s CEO or manager

Commitment to pilot at least two i3 ideas

Commitment to attend two national meetings per year and cover all associated travel costs

Regular group work and meetings beyond the national meetings

“To move credit unions forward and truly improve outcomes for members, communities and the cooperative finance movement, we have to build an environment fertile for creative collisions,” said Filene Innovation Director Matt Davis.

“A key ingredient to making this happen is making sure bright, creative people with a ‘let’s roll up our sleeves and get this done’ attitude are able to meet, play and build with people like them,” Davis said.